The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-20
POLITICS AND PROSPERITY.

The approaching city election may, ana
probably will, have an important bearing on
the future growth and prosperity of the city.
In general sense it is always true that the
growth and prosperity of a city are affected
by the character of it's government, involving
the enforcement of law. protection of life and
property, municipal expenses, ETC., but there
times when this is peculiarly the case.
The approaching election has that peculiar
significance. 1t must be apparent to every
one at all conversant with the situation that
Indianapolis has reached a turning point in its
history. 1t has, in measure, outgrown the
conditions Of its earlier stage and is prepared
to enter on a new career. 1t has not only sur
vived, but fully recovered from the effects of
past disasters. In spite of some drawbacks the
general course of the city has been steadily
forward until it has reached point where it
seems to be ready for a departure. All
the conditions are favorable for such an event.
Added to others, the reasonable certainty of
having natural gas within the next twelve
months is attracting great deal of attention
to the city. Neither the certain mistakes of
the past nor the possible ones of the future
can alter the fact that natural gas exists in
large quantities within piping distance and
will be brought to the city in the near
future. The main fact is as certain as if it
were already accomplished. Capitalists man
ufacturers and business men, here and else
where; recognize it and are givingit place in
their calculations. The material conditions
for the future growth and prosperity of the
city could not be more favorable than they
are.
Right abreast with these conditions comes
a city election of far more significance than
ordinary. We do not attempt to exaggerate
its Importance by claiming that it is prelim-
nary skirmish of 1888, or that its result will
have any appreciable effect the election of
next year. There are national issues in
volved. Really it is not struggle between
the Republican and Democratic parties as
such. 1t is contest between law and law.
lessness, between the friends of good govern
ment and its enemies, between honest and
corrupt methods in politics. There is no dis
guising the fact that the Democratic machine
in the city is wholly under the control of the
Coy gang, and that the campaign is being
conducted in and for their interest. AS the
issue is presented no honest man acquainted
with the circumstances of the case can con-
scentiously vote the Democratic ticket in the
approaching election To do so is to indorse
the tally-sheet forgeries of last fall and to
whitewash the perpetrators of the fraud That
is what they ask and hope for. That is the
the success of the Coy gang would be great
blow to the city, and could hardly fail to have
a disastrous effect its future growth and
prosperity. 1t would give the city back-set
situation is too we'll understood throughout
the State and county for the result to be mis-
interpreted Everybody knows the triumph
of the Coy gang would be the triumph of the
the fact quicker than manufacturers and bust
ness men. Capital does not seek investment
in cities that VIGOROUSLY ruled h the
lawless elements. 1t would be a great mis-
fortune to the city just at this interesting
iuncture in it's history, and when it seems
about to enter on a new era Of prosperity, to
have the announcement go out that it had
passed under the control of the worst gang of
ments known in its history.